Act 1
Costumes: Simple costumes to suggest Roman soldiers and Jewish fishermen.
Props: Wooden or plastic swords for soldiers. Nets and gear to mend them
for fishermen.
Act 2
Costumes: All actors are angels. We use simple white robes with bits
of gold or silver trim.
Props: None required
Act 3
Costumes: Traditional costumes for Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherd(s)
and 2 or more sheep.
Props: Simple manger with 2 "rocks" behind it for Mary and Joseph to
sit on. Newborn style doll swaddled to represent Baby Jesus.
Processional - lively Christmas song such as 'Joy to the World'
End of Act 2 - if possible, use 'I Know of a Name' or 'Emmanuel.' If more time is needed to prepare for Act 3, consider leading audience in several Christmas carols.
Act 3 - Sheep dance: Apologetix's 'Bahh! We're Lambs' from the CD 'Grace Period'
Act 3 - first Christmas carol - consider 'Away in a Manger' or 'Silent Night'.
Act 3 - Second Christmas carol - consider 'Do You Hear What I Hear?'
Use an upbeat Christmas song. Children can carry banners, sing or clap as they come in. Consider reserving the first few rows for the children. Since they are already in costume, they can quickly take their places on stage as necessary.
Setting: Boys in Jewish clothing mend fishing net. Box of string, large wooden needles and other tools is at their feet. Enter boys in Roman military costume with swords.
Roman 1: What's that smell?Scene: Angels in heaven observing earth. This could be done as reader's theater.
Angel 1: Those earthlings think they have it all figured out, don't they?Music can be led by a worship team, youth choir or other group. Consider using overheads or song sheets so that the audience can join in on some of the songs. During this time, some of the children may need to quickly change for Act 3. Adjust the number of songs to allow the necessary time.
Song: I Know Of A Name or Emmanuel or another song focusing on Jesus' Name
Scene: The stage is almost empty. There should be a manger at the center and a little toward the back of the stage. Rocks behind the manger will allow Mary and Joseph to sit. The doll is already in the manger but in a position so that it cannot be seen by the audience. Leave room in front of the manger for the sheep to run.
Only the narrator speaks. All others act out what he is reading.
Narrator (walks across stage to far side, waits a moment and then begins speaking) - And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Lamb's dance
Apologetix's 'Bahh! We're Lambs' from the CD 'Grace Period'
Lambs energetically leap frog out, scamper across the stage and down
the aisle. Shepherd looking tired and confused searching everywhere for them.
Shepherd finally rounds them up and brings them back to the side of the
stage. Shepherd fondly shakes his finger at the naughty lambs and they
cuddle next to him. (If using more than one shepherd, this is a good
place to bring them in.)
Fade music at a good spot
Narrator And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the
glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you
this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will
be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths,
lying in a manger."
Angel and shepherd During the narration, angel walks on stage and
stands before shepherd. Shepherd falls to his knees, appears afraid. Angel
takes his hand and raises him back up. Points to the manger.
Narrator And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
(This would be a great place to add an angel dance.)
Narrator:So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into
heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."
(While narrator reads, angels go off stage and shepherds and sheep begin
to walk toward the manger.
Narrator: And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the
Babe lying in a manger.
(While narrator reads, shepherds and sheep bow at the manger. Mary picks
up Baby Jesus and holds him for the shepherds to see.)
Song: Christmas carol
Narrator: Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying
which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled
at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they
had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Song: Christmas carol
During this song, Shepherds rise and bow to Baby Jesus. Shepherds and
sheep begin the procession down the aisle and out of the room. When shepherds
are out, Joseph helps Mary up and they walk out carrying Baby Jesus. Angels
come back on stage and follow them out.
Narrator: I can understand why there were angels at the birth of
God's Son. But I wonder about the shepherds. Unimportant shepherds,
smelly sheep, straw and cattle.. why were they the only earthly creatures
invited to take part in this most important event? Why weren't the kings
and princes and religious leaders there? I'm sure they would have expected
to be included.
And then I remember the words of the angels. 'A baby? He's coming as a
baby?'
Yes, He came as a Baby. He left Heaven just to take our sorrows,
our sin, our shame and our pain.
And to the ones who accept Him, He gives eternal life -- eternal life
and peace and joy! No, He was not the Messiah we were looking for --
He is so very, very much more!
(Lights down on the narrator who leaves the stage.)